Hot Electronics How-Tos
How To: Unfreeze a frozen or non responsive iPad
If your iPad is no longer responding to your touch, it might be frozen. You can fix this sometimes by holding down the wake button on your iPad, then slide it off. Hold down the power button until you see the Apple logo, and then let go. That may reset your iPad and fix the freezing problem.
How To: Charge your iPod or iPhone using your Xbox
Charge your iPhone or iPod while you're killing zombies! You can actually charge many types of Apple products from an Xbox. Your Xbox certainly has enough USB ports to support plugging in your Apple sync cable into your Xbox or Xbox 360 and start charging.
How To: Fix an iPhone or iPod that is not being detected by your computer
Normally, your computer will automatically detect your Apple device when you plug it in, but if that's not working, here are a couple of solutions. Always make sure your USB drivers are up to date, and then try a reboot. If that doesn't work, make sure that your USB cord is untied and in good repair.
How To: Record your PC screen with the free program Microsoft Expression Encoder 4
Want to start making your own tech how tos or play alongs? It's easy, and better yet, free! All you need is to download Microsoft Expression Encoder 4. Once you have installed this program, you can easily record both visual and audio off your computer screen.
How To: Load a roll of paper into your Epson Stylus Photo R2880 Photo printer
For someone used to working in reams or sheaves, a roll of printer paper can be confusing. However, replacing the paper in your printer which calls for rolls is not that hard. This tutorial shows you a very easy to follow process for loading paper into your printer. While this focuses on the Epson Stylus R2880 model, it will still work for other models.
How To: Fix an iPhone or iPod that you cannot restore to factory settings
Restoring your Apple device to factory settings is the last ditch way to fix an otherwise unfixable problem with your iPod or iPhone. But what to do when even that doesn't work? You may need to update iTunes, and if that doesn't work, here are a few other ideas you can use to fix the problem.
How To: Load fine art paper into your Epson Stylus R1900 printer
While this video uses only a particular model of printer and only one style of paper, this tutorial will work for several different varieties of paper and printer. Just follow along with the tutorial to make sure you've loaded the paper properly for highest quality printing.
How To: Make an iPod or iPhone stand with a compact disc, marker and lighter
Don't waste your money on a store-bought Apple iPod stand. If you want a stand for your iPod, iPod Touch or iPhone, then all you need is a CD, a lighter and a marker. This is too easy, it almost seems untrue! But it works, and it's a great way to recycle old compact discs into something useful and decorative.
How To: Use existing light to take better pictures
Watch this photography tutorial to learn how to use the existing light to keep your subject from being overpowered by the flash. Taking better pictures using existing light instead of flash is easy with the tips in this how-to video.
How To: Customize a Canon PowerShot SD600 digital camera
Watch this photography tutorial video to learn how to change the settings—say, for your background image—in your Canon PowerShot SD600. Customizing your SD600 digital camera is easy using the tips in this how-to video.
How To: Distinguish between optical and digital zoom when camera shopping
In this video tutorial, we learn how to tell the difference between optical and digital zoom when shopping for a digital camera. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Shoot video in total darkness on a digital video camera
In this video tutorial, we learn how to shoot video in pitch-black conditions using a standard digital video camera. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Shuffle between songs on an Apple iPod MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use the Shuffle mode on an Apple iPod MP3 player for randomized playback of your songs. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Switch from an Apple iPod to a Microsoft Zune MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to make the switch from the Apple iPod to the Microsoft Zune portable MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Set up and use an Apple iPod Shuffle portable MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to configure and get started using an Apple iPod Shuffle portable MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Set up and use an Apple iPod Touch portable MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to configure and get started using an Apple iPod Touch portable MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Make a free phone call from an Apple iPod Touch
In this video tutorial, we learn a trick for making free domestic telephone calls from an Apple iPod Touch MP3 player. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Change the default language on an Apple iPod Shuffle
In this video tutorial, we learn how to change the default language on an Apple iPod Shuffle MP3 player to or from English. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Manage an Apple iPod with Floola instead of iTunes
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use manage the files on an Apple iPod with Floola in the place of iTunes. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Use a portable MP3 player like the Apple iPod at the gym
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use an MP3 player to listen to music or audiobooks when working out at the gym. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Put an audiobook on a portable MP3 player
In this video tutorial, we learn how to listen to audiobooks on a portable MP3 player like the Apple iPod. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this consumer electronics how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Make the transition from analog to digital television
In this video tutorial, we learn how to set an old TV up to receive an analog signal. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Speed up a Logitech Harmony remote control
In this video tutorial, we learn a trick for speeding up a standard Logitech Harmony smart remote control. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Organize shows into groups on a standard TiVo DVR
In this video tutorial, we learn how to group recorded programs on a standard TiVo digital video recorder or DVR. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Set up a Roku digital video player for use with your home theatre
In this video tutorial, we learn how to set up and configure a Roku digital video player or DVP. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to guide from the folks at CNET.
How To: Change the aspect ratio on a standard HDTV
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the default aspect ratio of a standard high-definition television when setting up a home theatre. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide from CNET.
How To: Play video from the Internet on a TV using a set-top box
In this tutorial, we learn how to play video clips from the Internet on a standard TV screen. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Play videos from an Apple iPod on a standard TV with AV cables
In this tutorial, we learn how to play and watch videos from an Apple iPod on a standard TV. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Calibrate a high-definition television when setting up a home theatre
In this tutorial, we receive some tips on how to calibrate a high-definition television when setting up a home theatre. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Maintain the proper viewing distance when watching television
In this clip, you'll receive some tips on where to place your high-definition television for an optimum viewing distance. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy home-theatre how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Put Song Lyrics on Your iPod and View Them While Listening to Songs
Your iPod is the centerpiece of your music-listening life. Did you know you can store and display the song lyrics on them? Watch this video to learn the simple steps to add lyrics to any song in your iTunes and thus your iPod, then look at them while listening to a song.
How To: Install a backlight behind a widescreen TV
In this clip, you'll learn how to install a backlight behind a television for an eye-catching diffused light effect. For more information, including a complete demonstration of the proces and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home theatre how-to from CNET.
How To: Build a Small DIY Hydrogen Fuel Cell Science Experiment
The hydrogen fuel cell has great potential to replace carbon-based fuels in our vehicle fleets and stave off global warming. It's a difficult concept intellectually, so why not make this fun little science experiment to try it out for yourself? Yes, by following these simple instructions you can make a small hydrogen fuel cell at home that will even power some devices!
How To: Calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver
This is a video tutorial in the Electronics category where you are going to learn how to calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver. Press the apps button on the calculator and press enter to load the TVM Solver which is the 1st choice. Here the meaning of various notations are N is time, I% is the percentage, PV is present value, PMT is payment, FV is future value and C/Y is compounding period. The problem is find the compound amount and the interest earned on $12,903.45 compounded...
How To: Fix an unresponsive iPod Touch by hard resetting it
In this clip, you'll learn how to fix an unresponsive Apple iPod Touch by hard resetting it. It's an easy process. So easy, in fact, that this how-to can present a complete demonstration of the process in just a minute's time. For complete details, and to learn how to force your own iPod Touch to reset, take a look.
How To: Fix an unresponce iPod Classic by hard resetting it
In this clip, you'll learn how to fix an unresponsive Apple iPod Classic MP3 player by hard resetting it. It's an easy process. So easy, in fact, that this how-to can present a complete demonstration of the process in under a minute's time. For complete details, and to learn how to force your own iPod Classic to reset, take a look.
How To: Enable and use parental controls on an Apple iPod Touch
In this clip, you'll learn how to turn on parental controls on an Apple iPod Touch. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-electronics how-to can present a complete overview of the process in about two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Make a DIY video remote for Canon DSLR cameras for under 10 bucks
If you have a Canon digital camera and plan on shooting video with it using a camera rig, then you'll want a good way to control your recordings with a start/stop button. A remote control is the way to go, but don't spend all that money— make your own! The remote in the video is hardwire into the camera and onto the rig for easy handling. You'll need your Canon 5D MK II HD DSLR (but it will work on other Canon models, too), a Canon RC-6 Remote Control (or generic brand), fiber optics cable, w...
How To: Get companies to give you consumer electronics to review and keep afterwards
Do you like to try out the latest electronics before they come out? Do you hate it when you have to send back test products you do get your hands on? Watch this video to learn how you can get companies to send you products to review and let you keep them afterwards.
How To: Use a USB patchstick to install Boxee on an AppleTV
If you want to get more out of your AppleTV, Boxee is the way to go. Dave Mathews from Boxee— no, not "Dave Matthews"— shows you how to get the HTPC program installed on your Apple TV.